'Fess Up Friday

I know, right? I'm posting AGAIN! But Suzie, over at the Boomer Babe blog (love the way that rolls off the tongue) posted a challenge and a contest. I love contests. And I love Skittles, so I had to enter. And since it's called 'Fess Up Friday, I had to enter while it's still Friday. (We'll just pretend this is Saturday's post, m'kay?)

Only problem is, my brain is tired. Since when has that ever stopped me from blogging? Not making sense? That's okay! No longer speaking English? Who cares! So let's see what flows from the fingers.

Tonight was the Hunny's birthday party. I might have mentioned earlier that he turned 40 yesterday. Did I also mention that he's only had one non-family birthday party in his life? At 17? No? True. Did I mention that he didn't want a party? So I decided to throw one, selfish wife that I am. You only turn 40 once, after all.

We had friends and family to dinner. We had steak, potatoes, salad, wine, cake and ice cream. It just doesn't get any better! And then we played a rousing game of Apples to Apples. Marguerite was passing out that game like it was candy this last Christmas and we certainly enjoyed it this evening. Oh! Look! I even have a picture of the fun!

(Yes, we put the 40 on backwards - shut up)

My confession? It's a lame one, people. I love a good dinner party. No, that's not the 'fessing. I love to throw a good dinner party (not it either). What I REALLY enjoy is to work hard, sit back and enjoy everyone else enjoying themselves. I love to facilitate fun. Nothing makes me happier than to be a catalyst for the enjoyment of others.

Don't get me wrong - it's not voyeuristic. I don't live through other's fun. I just derive satisfaction from knowing I had a part in the fun. That is my fun.

Weird confession, huh? Several years ago a good friend helped me to put it into perspective. We had a houseful of people Christmas Day - family and lots of friends. I was in the kitchen half the day and my good friend tracked me down to say that she wanted to spend more time with me. She was there, in part, to enjoy ME. As much as I appreciated that, it was then that it dawned on me that I was a fun facilitator. No, not necessarily fun, but definitely people being relaxed, networking, enjoying, forgetting the stress. I love that.

Did I leave the kitchen? I don't think I did. The other thing I realized that day was that my kitchen - all my good china which I selfishly wash by hand - is a means for my introverted self (stop laughing) to escape for a few minutes, when the people time has become too much, and be alone with my thoughts. Process the day so far.

So all day today I cleaned and prepped and eventually cooked. Nothing too elaborate on any one front. Maybelline and friend Kathie baked the cake, and Kathie brought yummy berries. My mom brought ice and ice cream. Friend Brandi brought the wine. Dave and Diana brought five birthday cards. And I just blended into the background and loved it. So truly, a good time was had by all.

There ya have it. I'm a closet introvert and a fun facilitator. Any confessions of your own to make? And one more picture (can't have a party and not show off all my rowdy friends!).



Until I write again ...

Flea